Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Chelsea
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Chelsea
1. Pier 62 Skatepark
The centerpiece of Chelsea skating, Pier 62’s concrete, California-style bowl overlooks the Hudson—flowy lines, pool coping, and a mellow street section for warm-ups.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of NYC’s most iconic skateparks with river breezes, varied transitions, and space for both beginners and bowl fiends to session without feeling crowded.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekdays for open lines; golden hour sessions in spring and fall when the wind drops and the sunset hits the coping.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring pads if you’re new to vert—locals ride fast. The adjacent lawn is perfect for stretching and board setup between runs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters rave about the smooth pour and epic views, calling it a destination park that still feels neighborhood-friendly.
2. Hudson River Greenway (Chelsea)
A wide, waterfront path running the length of Chelsea—prime for cruisers, longboarders, and inline skaters to log mellow miles with unobstructed river views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the smoothest, safest A-to-B roll in the neighborhood, linking piers, parks, and food stops without traffic stress.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise laps for empty paths; post-work twilight in summer when the breeze off the Hudson keeps temps comfortable.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter near 23rd Street to stitch together a cruise that hits Pier 62, Pier 63 Lawn, and Pier 57’s rooftop without crossing busy avenues.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the flow and scenery—many call it their favorite cooldown ride after a heavy park session.
3. Chelsea Waterside Park
A refreshed neighborhood green space with open walkways and a turf field nearby—good for flatground practice and post-session hangs.
✓ Why Go:
Between skate laps, it’s a calm spot to reset, hydrate, and fine-tune flip tricks on smooth pavement away from traffic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays or late afternoons on weekends when the pathways are least busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Respect signage and field permits; stick to open plaza areas for flatground and keep pathways clear for pedestrians.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers describe it as a surprisingly peaceful breather in a dense part of Manhattan—clean, friendly, and convenient to the piers.
4. Fashion Institute of Technology
FIT’s campus edges and plazas around Seventh Avenue offer photogenic architecture and, outside class rush, flat spots to work on consistency.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a classic Chelsea landmark where skaters soak up design-school energy and practice lines before heading west to the river.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings, weekends, and school breaks—avoid class changeovers when foot traffic spikes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Security is present—keep it respectful, avoid wax, and move if asked; plenty of coffee and slice spots are steps away on 7th Ave.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters note the smooth ground and creative vibe; many use it as a reliable meet-up before cruising to the piers.
5. David Zwirner
One of Chelsea’s anchor galleries with rotating contemporary shows—often featuring artists admired in skate culture for form, texture, and subculture ties.
✓ Why Go:
Skateboarding and art share DNA; exhibitions here can spark new filming angles, color palettes, and board graphics inspiration.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons midweek for quiet viewing; check show dates if you want opening-week energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hit 19th Street’s cluster—Zwirner sits near other heavy-hitter galleries, making an efficient art lap between sessions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate museum-level curation without the crowds—“eye candy and ideas” between skate stops.
6. Printed Matter
Legendary artists’ bookstore packed with zines, photo books, and skate-adjacent publications—ideal for picking up local mags and DIY culture.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s spiritual home for independent print—great for discovering skate photographers, spot guides, and art to toss in your backpack.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early afternoon to flip through stacks without rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for zines by NYC skate shooters—limited runs go fast; there’s often a small exhibition tucked inside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved by skaters and creatives alike—“a must for anyone who loves print and the streets that inspire it.”
7. Chelsea Market
An indoor food hall with every kind of quick bite—perfect for refueling between sessions without straying far from the piers.
✓ Why Go:
From burritos to ramen and solid coffee, it’s the most convenient one-stop eat spot for mixed crews and tight timelines.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Before noon or after 3 pm to dodge lunch crush; evenings for a post-sunset snack run.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the 10th Ave entrance to cut across toward Pier 57 or the Greenway fast; bring a lock if you’re parking a board outside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the variety and vibe—busy but efficient and steps from waterfront skating.
8. Pier 66 Maritime
Home to the Frying Pan and a dockside bar—an iconic sunset hang where skaters swap clips with the skyline glowing behind them.
✓ Why Go:
After a day at Pier 62, this is the nearby chill zone for burgers, cold drinks, and river breezes right on the pier.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Warm-weather evenings (late spring to early fall) for peak golden-hour views.
✓ Insider Tip:
It’s seasonal and weather-dependent; arrive early on weekends to snag a table and keep boards tucked to avoid tripping hazards.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A favorite decompression spot—“classic NYC summer energy by the water.”
9. 14th Street Park
A compact, well-kept plaza at Chelsea’s southern edge with smooth paving and seating—useful for warm-ups and crew meet-ups.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a low-key flat spot near the Greenway and Chelsea Market, making it a great rendezvous before rolling west.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings and late afternoons; avoid midday when nearby office crowds take lunch outside.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep it mellow and courteous—share space with families and office workers; no waxing or loud speakers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as a peaceful pocket with clean surfaces and plenty of sun.
10. Pier
A reimagined pier with a sprawling rooftop park and food hall—ideal for cooldown stretches, filming skyline B-roll, and grabbing a bite.
✓ Why Go:
You get all-weather hang space downstairs and open grass up top—great for session breaks without leaving the waterfront.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for panoramic views; mornings for quiet stretches before skating south to Pier 62.
✓ Insider Tip:
The rooftop stays open late—hit it after an evening cruise for a mellow wind-down with lights over the Hudson.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a perfect cap to a Chelsea skate day—scenic, spacious, and convenient to everything on the river.
